Sam Darnold takes blame for humiliating playoff loss to Rams: “I didn’t play good enough”
Being critical of his shortcomings, Sam Darnold took responsibility for the Vikings' playoff elimination like a true leader in many respects.
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Sam Darnold (Via NFL Analysis Network)
It appears the critics were indeed right to be concerned about Sam Darnold’s ability to lead the Minnesota Vikings in the playoffs, despite him having his career-best season. Although the quarterback stumbled in the very first game of the postseason, he certainly deserves credit for his leadership, even if his performance did not lead the team to playoff glory.
Joining the Vikings was the best thing that happened to star quarterback Darnold and his contention for the Comeback Player of the Year is the epitome for it. However, for the past couple of weeks, his performance dropped significantly, which not only cost the team a conference title but also a playoff victory.
In the postgame press conference, no one from the Vikings needed to evaluate the quarterback’s performance as he was already critical of his shortcomings and took responsibility for the playoff elimination like a true leader in many respects.
You know, I clearly just didn’t play good enough the last couple weeks. [L]eft too many throws out there that I would usually make. Gotta take better care of the football — today, especially.
Sam Darnold said
Sam Darnold: I clearly just didn’t play good enough the last couple weeks. https://t.co/gZiDcWTXyY
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 14, 2025
Additionally, he also didn’t blame the offensive lineman for the bizarre number of sacks he took. The Vikings signal-caller got heavily overpowered by the Los Angeles Rams defense, who sacked him nine times and returned his fumble with a touchdown in the game. He completed 25 out of 40 passes for 245 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Kevin O’Connell stands by Sam Darnold, acknowledging his growth amid challenges
Despite the shortcomings of Darnold, head coach Kevin O’Connell remained encouraging of his ongoing development. Giving him an opportunity to lead the team was O’Connell’s decision and Darnold surprisingly came through which the head coach will always appreciate as being his mentor.
Remember this guy is 27 years old or whatever he is. I think Sam will take a lot of positive out of this year. I think he’ll look like we all will very much inward. What’s the next step? What’s the next phase for him to find that consistency. I’m going to do the same thing.
Kevin O’Connell said
As far as his future is concerned, the quarterback remains hopeful though his market value has decreased in view of the past two consecutive losses. He is set to enter the free agency market in the coming March unless the Vikings extend him with another contract or franchise tag him for 2025.
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Pratyusha Srivastava
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